Monday, 26 October 2015

Legendary personalities from the days of the famous Ford Cosworth DFV engine joined Veloce at the Cosworth factory in Northampton yesterday to launch a new book Grand Prix Ford – Ford, Cosworth and the DFV.

Authored by experienced motoring historian Graham Robson, the book is the only book of its kind on the DFV engine, which powered 13 Formula 1 World Championships between 1967 and 1983.

The book contains a detailed and superbly illustrated account of all DFV-powered cars, providing an insight into a fascinating period of motor racing history. With a limited edition print run of just 1500 copies, the book is expected to become a must-buy for fans of motorsport and automotive history.

The launch of Grand Prix Ford coincided with the 50th anniversary of Ford’s decision to join forces with Cosworth on an engine that would revolutionise Formula 1 and become one of the sport’s most successful pieces of engineering.

Cosworth’s renowned engineering facility on St. James Mill Road in Northampton, birthplace of the DFV, also celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year, which adds to the poignancy of the event. Cosworth opened its doors, so that visiting guests could see the original dyno cells where the DFV engines were tested, Graham Hill’s Lotus 49, with the DFV on display, kindly on loan from Classic Team Lotus & Beaulieu Motor Museum and Keith's original drawing board and drawings.

Amongst the guests were surviving Cosworth staff from the DFV era, who were delighted to share their memories of that period.

Author Graham Robson said he was delighted to meet again famous characters like Mike Costin, co-founder of Cosworth, and Mike Hall; also current Technical Director, Bruce Wood, at a reception where the legendary Lotus 49 was on display alongside a DFV engine and many more modern examples of Cosworth’s engineering expertise.

Publisher, Rod Grainger, said that he was very grateful to Cosworth for making available their facilities to launch Graham’s new book, for a fascinating factory tour, and for allowing us to see their state of the art automated production facility. He also said that it was a great pleasure to meet so many interesting characters from the DFV era, and to hear their stories. Rod also thanked Classic Team Lotus for loaning their Lotus 49 for the day.

Grand Prix Ford – Ford, Cosworth and the DFV by Graham Robson is available now! Click HERE for more information about the book.

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Last Thursday, Bournemouth-based author and former Anglican Priest, Bryan Apps, launched his new book at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

Laced with fascinating anecdotes, Raymond Mays’ Magnificent Obsession reveals a pivotal figure in motor sport history and describes the author’s enthusiasm for BRM, detailing his visit to Raymond Mays in Eastgate House, Bourne, in 1963.

An intimate congregation of friends and motor racing enthusiasts gathered around the National Motor Museum’s Mk1 BRM for a talk by the author, followed by a presentation of the book to Beaulieu's Chief Executive, Russell Bowman, and a signing session.

Bryan Apps with Russell Bowman.

Bryan Apps said: “I was given a very warm welcome at Beaulieu by Russell Bowman and Museum Manager, Doug Hill and was delighted to give a signed copy of Raymond Mays’ Magnificent Obsession for the Museum Library, which is an essential resource for any student researching the history of motor racing. The National Motor Museum is currently undertaking a re-build of the car`s engine, preserving its legendary sound and keeping alive an important link to Britain’s motorsport history.”

BRM V16

Paul Castle and Kim Phillips representing Veloce.

Bryan Apps is a lifelong motor racing enthusiast; he created a BRM scrapbook at the age of thirteen, with Raymond Mays writing its foreword. Mays continued corresponding with Bryan for many years, keeping him informed of the latest developments.

The retired reverend from Bournemouth was an Anglican priest for nearly 50 years, but away from clerical duties he enjoys nothing more than painting scenes from motor racing. He explains: “I paint famous drivers and famous races and once the painting’s complete, I’ll send it to the driver, often starting a correspondence.”

The National Motor Museum Trust’s Mk 1 BRM, which was built with racing chassis number one, was famously driven by racing aces Reg Parnell and Juan Manuel Fangio. Only five examples of this pioneering British design were built, which means that preserving the sights and sounds of this BRM Type 15 is vital to keeping alive an important link to Britain’s motorsport history.

The Trust’s ambition to set in motion the raising of funds for long needed work to the 1950 racing car received a boost when it was nominated as the 2014 Goodwood Revival Beneficiary Charity. The assistance of the Goodwood Revival, generous donations and fundraising activities have now brought the total of the BRM Preservation Appeal to just over £50,000.

Skilled restoration is required in order to keep it in fully-functioning condition, including a rebuild of its supercharged 1.5-litre V16 engine. While the initial target of £50,000 has been reached it is possible that, due to its complex design, more may be needed to fund the BRM’s renovation, depending upon what the Museum technicians uncover when work begins.

Raymond Mays' Magnificent Obsession by Bryan Apps is available now! Click here for more information about the book.